123 Coded Data Field: Latitude and Longitude (O;NR)

Field Definition and Scope

This field contains the geographic co-ordinates of the place described in the given record. It may occur only in records for place names.

In accordance with Unimarc Authorities, the format provides for referencing a rectangular shape, although it is customary in the CERL Thesaurus to reference places as a single point.

Application of Content Designators

Indicators

both indicator positions are undefinded and therfore left blank

Subfields

$d Westernmost Longitude (NR)
The longitude of the western boundary of the rectangle circumscribing the described place

$e Easternmost Longitude (NR)
The longitude of the eastern boundary of the rectangle circumscribing the described place

$f Northernmost Latitude (NR)
The latitude of the northern boundary of the rectangle circumscribing the described place

$g Southernomst Latitude (NR)
The latitude of the southern boundary of the rectangle circumscribing the described place

Each subfield is fixed at 8 characters and contains the following data:

Character Position

Definition

Content

0

A one-character code indicating the Hemisphere

w = west
e = east
n = north
s = south

1-3

Degree

3 numeric characters, right justified and zerofilled

4-5

Minute

2 numeric characters, right justified and zerofilled

6-7

Second

2 numeric characters, right justified and zerofilled

Input Conventions

When the co-ordinates for a map or plan are given in terms of a centre point rather than outside limits, the longitude and latitude that form the central axes are each recorded twice, in subfields $d and $e (longitude) and subfields $f and $g (latitude).